Things have gotten interesting around here. The out of the blue arrival of one Frank, by the last name Churchill, has a lot to do with it.

Now, not only do we have a REALLY big deal for our celebrity speaker, but because of him, people are practically banging down the doors to get to this benefit! Harriet took a headcount this morning and we are already over capacity.

And on the Harriet front, she finally tracked down the Coles and got them to confirm a date. They had been out of town on vacation, but were happy to come back for us. 

I knew it had to be miscommunication. I knew they still wanted us. Now, Harriet is tearing it up on the decoration front. She is combining the rustic-ness of the ranch with the reusable energy theme.

And, everything is repurposed, from the milk jug lights to the recycled paper menus. 

I have to admit, even I was surprised. I-I knew everything would come together, but this is almost too easy!

You know what? I deserve things to be easy very once in a while, don't I?  Yes, I do.

[Emma Approved Theme]

Frank Churchill is an interesting character. Well dressed, smart, worldly; and has an excellent taste in coffee. And his timing? Impeccable! 

It's almost enough to make me forgive him for his absence at Ryan and Annie's wedding.  Almost. 

Although he did apologize for that. And very well, too! 

Annie says ways he's the best brother-in-law she could have asked for.  Except, he and Ryan still want to build a microbrewery in the basement.

Frank's coming by in a few minutes  to go over last minute details for the benefit. [scoffs] That's not the reason I dressed up today! It's just a coincidence. 

Frank: Emma Woodhouse! ...Ooh. Did I do something wrong?

Emma: You kept me waiting. 

Frank: Good things come to those who wait....I'm sorry. My teleconference ran long, I would have much rather been here with you going over seating charts.

Emma: Oh, too late. I just finished!

Frank: Mm, shame! Seating charts are one of my favorite pastimes! *sarcastic* 

Frank: Of course, if I had been here on time, I would have put Mr. Openheimer on the other side of the room.

Emma: Farther away from the bar?...but then he'd have such a long walk to get to the silent auction.

Frank: Hmm, you are good.

Emma: It's what I do.

Frank: And you do it well....Oh, so where's the guest of honor in all of this?

Emma: Oh, Maddy will be at the center table, holding court with Mama Bates.

Frank: And her niece is gonna be...?

Emma: Right next to her. I wanted to keep one of Maddy's sides free for networking, but, unfortunately, I know she won't feel comfortable unless Jane is close by.

Frank: You know, taking Maddy's comfort into account shows just how good a host you are.

Emma: Well, really, you are the guest of honor at this event, so you should be able to pick where you want to sit.

Frank: Hmm, where are you gonna be sitting?

Emma: Oh, well, I won't have a chance to sit, I'll be running around making sure everything goes according to plan.

Frank: Alright, then centrally locate me at the Bates's table, too. That way, I can bring the networking to Maddy, and when you check in on her, you can check in on me as well.

Emma: Are you sure? The Bateses can be overwhelming.

Frank: I'm just trying to make your life better Emma Woodhouse.

Alex: Hey, Emma? I--uhh, sorry to interrupt.

Frank: Not at all! Frank Churchill.

Alex: Alex...Knightley.

Frank: Alex Knightley, I'm a big fan of your brother's. I can't get enough of the salmon carpaccio.

Emma: Oh.

Alex: Really? I thought you'd be more of a trout guy.

Frank: Well, I'm full of surprises.

Emma: Alex, is there something I can help you with?

Alex: Yeah, I just had a question about the benefit, but...it can wait.

Frank: No, please. Come on in! We're all friends here.

Alex: Uh, well I just saw an order placed for $700 worth of quail eggs. Is that really necessary?

Emma & Frank: Yes.

Emma: They're a huge delicacy.

Frank: This isn't a backyard barbecue.

Emma: Plus, Ambassador Namor will be there.

Frank: And they are his favorite.

Alex: Yeah, but...$700 worth of bird embryos isn't this a fundraiser?

Emma: You have to spend money to make money.

Frank: Exactly. I mean, you only get one shot in this life and this is the time to take it. And we are bettering our planet for ourselves and our children. Renewable energy's the key to a brighter future for our humanity. And yes, this may be just a fundraiser, but when everyone leaves that night, what do we want them to go home thinking?

Alex: How pretentious the party was?

Frank: That they did what's best for the planet.

Alex: Right.

Frank: Right? It's good for them and it's good for us, and when they look back on their feelings of joy and fulfillment, do you know whose name they'll remember?

Alex: Yours?

Frank: Maddy Bates.

Alex: Oh.

Emma: Sorry there, Practical Al, but I think you lost this battle.

Alex: I don't think I ever really had a chance.

Frank: I promise by the end of the night, you'll be in love with those particular bird embryos.

Emma: Was there anything else you needed?

Alex: No, that was it.

Emma: Okay, then! Back to work! Busy, busy!

Alex: It was nice to meet you.

Frank: Likewise.
---
Frank: Is that what I'm known as around here?

Emma: What?

Frank: A trout guy.

Emma: I don't think you're known around here as anything other than Frank Churchill.

Frank: Very glad to hear it. 'Til tomorrow, Emma Woodhouse!

Emma: 'Til tomorrow....See? Like I said before, interesting. But, enough about Frank Churchill. I have a benefit to focus on! In 24 hours, Maddy Bates is going to throw the party of a lifetime! And Jane Fairfax will just have to sit back in awe. I am Emma Woodhouse, and this benefit will be Emma approved!

(Outro music)